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Her Bloody Vengeance
Not yet published
Expected 31 Oct 26Alderose Mortimer is no stranger to grief. As she roams from one bleak countryside village to another, killing monsters for coin, she’s haunted by the loss of her first love, slain on their wedding day with two puncture wounds in his neck.
So when a fateful contract brings her face to face with a vampire, Alderose is determined to rid the world of another monster. But Lord Iestyn of Wreymoor Hall has a more tantalising if Alderose breaks the curse imprisoning him in his crumbling manor, he’ll help her hunt down the vampire who murdered her husband.
Night after night, the manor squeezes Alderose in its rotting grip, and she begins to question her own humanity. Iestyn’s seductive hunger stirs the darkness growing inside her, feeding her own desire for revenge. If she surrenders to it, she might finally get the chance to bury her grief, along with the monster who took everything from her. Or, it could cost her what remains of her soul.
Vengeance has never tasted so bloody…
Dark, delicious and devastating, Her Bloody Vengeance is a tragic gothic horror that will make your blood run cold.
So when a fateful contract brings her face to face with a vampire, Alderose is determined to rid the world of another monster. But Lord Iestyn of Wreymoor Hall has a more tantalising if Alderose breaks the curse imprisoning him in his crumbling manor, he’ll help her hunt down the vampire who murdered her husband.
Night after night, the manor squeezes Alderose in its rotting grip, and she begins to question her own humanity. Iestyn’s seductive hunger stirs the darkness growing inside her, feeding her own desire for revenge. If she surrenders to it, she might finally get the chance to bury her grief, along with the monster who took everything from her. Or, it could cost her what remains of her soul.
Vengeance has never tasted so bloody…
Dark, delicious and devastating, Her Bloody Vengeance is a tragic gothic horror that will make your blood run cold.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
About the author
N.C. Scrimgeour
9 books169 followersN. C. Scrimgeour is a science fiction and fantasy author whose books focus on character-driven stories in vibrant worlds, from folklore fantasy to space opera.
After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.
She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).
When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.
After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.
She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).
When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay so I honestly had zero doubts that I would love Her Bloody Vengeance considering that the Sea of Souls saga was my number 1 read of last year, but I honestly wasn't quite prepared for just how bloody hard Scrimgeour would go with this tragic gothic horror tale. To me, this feels like The Witcher meets A Dowry of Blood as if written by Meg Smitherman, and I know that might sound like a wild combination, but somehow it works scarily well. I mean, I am always a sucker for deadly vampires, monster hunting, a creepy gothic manor, dangerous desires, feral female rage, and a whole lot of emotional damage, so this was truly the nightmare of my dreams.
If you know me, you know that I am usually a fierce defender of slow-burn love, but I fear it was a case of love at first sight when I met my babe Alderose Mortimer. She’s a grieving widow turned monster hunter who has been on a mad quest for revenge ever since the love of her life was found dead with two puncture wounds in his neck on their wedding day six years ago, so when a new contract written in blood brings her to the manor of a vampire who claims he can help her hunt down the monster who murdered her fiancé if she helps him break his own curse, she desperately accepts, not realising that she might have just put her own soul on the line.
Now, Scrimgeour has made it very clear in the marketing that Her Bloody Vengeance is NOT a romance, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a little fun flirting with the tropes of a dark vampire romance, and I was so here for that tension. The dynamic between Alderose and Iestyn had me in an absolute chokehold, and I loved the way that their relationship plays with the boundaries between love and hate, desire and regret, loneliness and desperation. There's such a deliciously dangerous quality to their interactions, especially as Alderose finds herself increasingly drawn towards something she knows she probably shouldn't be entertaining, and I was morbidly fascinated by seeing how far she would go and how much of herself she was willing to sacrifice in pursuit of revenge.
And look, I already knew from reading the Sea of Souls saga that Scrimgeour is a master at weaving horror and folkore into her stories and creating the most dreadful atmosphere, but she takes that talent to the next level in Her Bloody Vengeance. The setting of Wreymoor Hall is an absolute gothic masterpiece and almost feels like a character in itself in the way that it messes with Alderose's sense of reality, and I loved that suffocating paranoia and psychological terror layered on top of the sinister vampire horrors and Iestyn's disturbing occult ritual practices. And despite the fairly contained setting, the world outside its crumbling walls also feels wonderfully alive, and the exploration of all kinds of terrifying folkloric horrors through the monster hunter aspect only added to my deep level of immersion, for better or worse.
There were maybe a few moments in Her Bloody Vengeance where I deeply questioned Alderose’s survival instincts a bit too much and feared the story was heading down a convenient and predictable path, but I honestly should have known better after reading the Sea of Souls saga. Scrimgeour always has another twist of the knife and another punch to the gut waiting just around the corner, and I loved how all the bold twists and revelations showcased what happens when grief and the desire for revenge become so consuming that you become blinded to everything else. I do have to admit that the painfully fast pacing and my lack of investment in the off-page love story between Alderose and Henry made some of the emotional gut punches not hit as hard as they probably could have, but I still absolutely adored how this story completely delivered on the promise of being a tragedy.
Ultimately, I had the absolute best time devouring this book in a single day, and I think Scrimgeour executed her vicious vision for this vampire nightmare with effortless grace. The epilogue is truly one of the most terribly bittersweet yet utterly satisfying endings I have ever read in a standalone, though I would be first in line if this story ever gets a sequel, because I fear my hunger for more of Scrimgeour’s delectable storytelling will never be quite satiated. Her Bloody Vengeance is simply gothic vampire horror as it ought to be written, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you are in the mood for something dark, depraved, and diabolical to sink your teeth into.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own. Her Bloody Vengeance is scheduled for release on October 31st, 2026
If you know me, you know that I am usually a fierce defender of slow-burn love, but I fear it was a case of love at first sight when I met my babe Alderose Mortimer. She’s a grieving widow turned monster hunter who has been on a mad quest for revenge ever since the love of her life was found dead with two puncture wounds in his neck on their wedding day six years ago, so when a new contract written in blood brings her to the manor of a vampire who claims he can help her hunt down the monster who murdered her fiancé if she helps him break his own curse, she desperately accepts, not realising that she might have just put her own soul on the line.
Now, Scrimgeour has made it very clear in the marketing that Her Bloody Vengeance is NOT a romance, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a little fun flirting with the tropes of a dark vampire romance, and I was so here for that tension. The dynamic between Alderose and Iestyn had me in an absolute chokehold, and I loved the way that their relationship plays with the boundaries between love and hate, desire and regret, loneliness and desperation. There's such a deliciously dangerous quality to their interactions, especially as Alderose finds herself increasingly drawn towards something she knows she probably shouldn't be entertaining, and I was morbidly fascinated by seeing how far she would go and how much of herself she was willing to sacrifice in pursuit of revenge.
And look, I already knew from reading the Sea of Souls saga that Scrimgeour is a master at weaving horror and folkore into her stories and creating the most dreadful atmosphere, but she takes that talent to the next level in Her Bloody Vengeance. The setting of Wreymoor Hall is an absolute gothic masterpiece and almost feels like a character in itself in the way that it messes with Alderose's sense of reality, and I loved that suffocating paranoia and psychological terror layered on top of the sinister vampire horrors and Iestyn's disturbing occult ritual practices. And despite the fairly contained setting, the world outside its crumbling walls also feels wonderfully alive, and the exploration of all kinds of terrifying folkloric horrors through the monster hunter aspect only added to my deep level of immersion, for better or worse.
There were maybe a few moments in Her Bloody Vengeance where I deeply questioned Alderose’s survival instincts a bit too much and feared the story was heading down a convenient and predictable path, but I honestly should have known better after reading the Sea of Souls saga. Scrimgeour always has another twist of the knife and another punch to the gut waiting just around the corner, and I loved how all the bold twists and revelations showcased what happens when grief and the desire for revenge become so consuming that you become blinded to everything else. I do have to admit that the painfully fast pacing and my lack of investment in the off-page love story between Alderose and Henry made some of the emotional gut punches not hit as hard as they probably could have, but I still absolutely adored how this story completely delivered on the promise of being a tragedy.
Ultimately, I had the absolute best time devouring this book in a single day, and I think Scrimgeour executed her vicious vision for this vampire nightmare with effortless grace. The epilogue is truly one of the most terribly bittersweet yet utterly satisfying endings I have ever read in a standalone, though I would be first in line if this story ever gets a sequel, because I fear my hunger for more of Scrimgeour’s delectable storytelling will never be quite satiated. Her Bloody Vengeance is simply gothic vampire horror as it ought to be written, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you are in the mood for something dark, depraved, and diabolical to sink your teeth into.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own. Her Bloody Vengeance is scheduled for release on October 31st, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dark horror gothic featuring a monster hunter, a vampire, and a haunted manor that I ate up.🩸
Alderose is a grieving widow who takes out her rage and anger by hunting monsters. When an alliance is offered by Lord Iestyn, an ancient, powerful vampire, to take down the vampire that killed her fiancée, she begrudgingly accepts, her soul on the line.
I flew through this. The writing is simple, yet compelling making the easy to devour. The descriptions are dripping with gothic elements.
This is a dark fantasy and as such, has a dark romance that makes Alderose burn with lust and hate. It is definitely not enemies-to-lovers. This is a whole new depravity.
This is a start to a supernatural series that I devoured in one sitting.
3.5 stars.🌟
Arc gifted by author.
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Alderose is a grieving widow who takes out her rage and anger by hunting monsters. When an alliance is offered by Lord Iestyn, an ancient, powerful vampire, to take down the vampire that killed her fiancée, she begrudgingly accepts, her soul on the line.
I flew through this. The writing is simple, yet compelling making the easy to devour. The descriptions are dripping with gothic elements.
This is a dark fantasy and as such, has a dark romance that makes Alderose burn with lust and hate. It is definitely not enemies-to-lovers. This is a whole new depravity.
This is a start to a supernatural series that I devoured in one sitting.
3.5 stars.🌟
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scrimgeour really said, “Oh, you thought I was just going to write brilliant scifi and fantasy series? Hold my beer.” And then casually drops a standalone gothic horror about vampires that turns out to be one of the best short stories I’ve read in a VERY long time.
Because apparently being ridiculously talented in one genre wasn’t enough.
From the off, the atmosphere and vibes are dark, gritty and utterly intoxicating. Like the calling of fog upon a hill. You know you probably shouldn’t walk into it, but f me, you absolutely want to. I wanted to be swallowed up by the fog and absorbed into whatever dark, twisted nightmare was waiting on the other side.
The first half does a brilliant job of building the lore, establishing the mystery and making you understand the desperation for vengeance burning inside our protagonist, Alderose Mortimer. And then there’s Lord Iestyn, the mysterious owner of Wreymoor Hall, enticing Alderose into a deal despite every fibre of her being screaming that this is probably a terrible idea.
But vengeance has a way of making people do stupid things. And mysterious, potentially murderous vampire adjacent men in creepy gothic mansions probably aren't the best people to trust. Just a thought.
And then we get to the second half.
WOW
Dramatic, emotional, insane and absolutely brutal in all the best ways. I genuinely can't say too much without spoiling things, but what unfolds had me questioning everything and left me needing to pick my jaw up off the floor.
This is exactly how you do a short story. No wasted time, no unnecessary padding, just phenomenal storytelling that builds and builds until it absolutely gets you.
Scrimgeour doesn't miss. Whether it's scifi, fantasy or now gothic horror, Scrimgeour clearly has an obscene amount of talent and an ability to craft stories that get under your skin.
An absolute masterclass in atmosphere, tension and emotional devastation.
This is your sign to read it.
Because apparently being ridiculously talented in one genre wasn’t enough.
From the off, the atmosphere and vibes are dark, gritty and utterly intoxicating. Like the calling of fog upon a hill. You know you probably shouldn’t walk into it, but f me, you absolutely want to. I wanted to be swallowed up by the fog and absorbed into whatever dark, twisted nightmare was waiting on the other side.
The first half does a brilliant job of building the lore, establishing the mystery and making you understand the desperation for vengeance burning inside our protagonist, Alderose Mortimer. And then there’s Lord Iestyn, the mysterious owner of Wreymoor Hall, enticing Alderose into a deal despite every fibre of her being screaming that this is probably a terrible idea.
But vengeance has a way of making people do stupid things. And mysterious, potentially murderous vampire adjacent men in creepy gothic mansions probably aren't the best people to trust. Just a thought.
And then we get to the second half.
WOW
Dramatic, emotional, insane and absolutely brutal in all the best ways. I genuinely can't say too much without spoiling things, but what unfolds had me questioning everything and left me needing to pick my jaw up off the floor.
This is exactly how you do a short story. No wasted time, no unnecessary padding, just phenomenal storytelling that builds and builds until it absolutely gets you.
Scrimgeour doesn't miss. Whether it's scifi, fantasy or now gothic horror, Scrimgeour clearly has an obscene amount of talent and an ability to craft stories that get under your skin.
An absolute masterclass in atmosphere, tension and emotional devastation.
This is your sign to read it.
October 12, 2026
Her Bloody Vengeance? More like Her Bloody Masterpiece!
This is really not my thing, but I read it because I love the author’s other work and wanted to give it a shot. The writing immediately sucked me in (no pun intended) and from there, the story just didn’t let me go. I loved the way the author so effortlessly created a dark, atmospheric setting and filled it with a combination of monsters that felt so detailed, even if we only saw some of them briefly.
There are some fantastic twists and turns in here and it’s quite a skill to have them surprise you so, but yet not feel at all too far-fetched. There was no bloat here, everything on the page helped drive the story forwards, and it made for a really fast-paced, darkly disturbing but still fantastic read.
As we have a first-person narrative, the character development is mostly focused on our main character, Alderose Mortimer, but I thought it was really well done. You can really see the changes in her throughout the book as she steps over the point of no return and sinks deeper into her quest for vengeance, forsaking her health, her sanity, and her morals. I thought the way this was done, through a combination of her own musings and views of her changing physical appearance as seen in the mirror or from the eyes of others, was excellent.
As is often the case with this sort of vampire story, there are some sexy scenes as well, and I really liked how these weren’t there for shock value or titillation. As with everything else, they were there for a reason – even important for the story, in a couple of different ways – showing the fall of our heroine and what she is willing to sacrifice to slake her own, very different, hunger for blood.
I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this short novel, despite already having a fantastic experience with the author’s fantasy trilogy and her sci-fi trilogy. Everything just worked really well: Setting – good; characters – great; story – excellent; writing – phenomenal.
I think this book is one of those that’s greater than the sum of its parts, but those individual parts are already pretty darn great on their own!
This is really not my thing, but I read it because I love the author’s other work and wanted to give it a shot. The writing immediately sucked me in (no pun intended) and from there, the story just didn’t let me go. I loved the way the author so effortlessly created a dark, atmospheric setting and filled it with a combination of monsters that felt so detailed, even if we only saw some of them briefly.
There are some fantastic twists and turns in here and it’s quite a skill to have them surprise you so, but yet not feel at all too far-fetched. There was no bloat here, everything on the page helped drive the story forwards, and it made for a really fast-paced, darkly disturbing but still fantastic read.
As we have a first-person narrative, the character development is mostly focused on our main character, Alderose Mortimer, but I thought it was really well done. You can really see the changes in her throughout the book as she steps over the point of no return and sinks deeper into her quest for vengeance, forsaking her health, her sanity, and her morals. I thought the way this was done, through a combination of her own musings and views of her changing physical appearance as seen in the mirror or from the eyes of others, was excellent.
As is often the case with this sort of vampire story, there are some sexy scenes as well, and I really liked how these weren’t there for shock value or titillation. As with everything else, they were there for a reason – even important for the story, in a couple of different ways – showing the fall of our heroine and what she is willing to sacrifice to slake her own, very different, hunger for blood.
I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this short novel, despite already having a fantastic experience with the author’s fantasy trilogy and her sci-fi trilogy. Everything just worked really well: Setting – good; characters – great; story – excellent; writing – phenomenal.
I think this book is one of those that’s greater than the sum of its parts, but those individual parts are already pretty darn great on their own!
Review of advance copy received from Author
NC does not miss. Her previous series, Sea of Souls, is potentially a top 5 indie series ever and this is a worthy follow up.
Completely switching genres (duh) it was a delight to read her words in the gothic horror space. It's a great standalone as well, one you could easily finish over a weekend if you were so inclined (and I was!)
She excels especially at mood and setting in this one; it felt like I was living the nightmare along with the MC, stuck in a mansion that was twisting and turning, evolving to control nightmares. It felt like one of those dreams you beg to wake up from, but when you do realize you enjoyed the experience haha.
I think this is a great intro point to her work as well. Overall, Scrimgeour continues to be one of my personal favorite indie authors, and it's a matter of time before the general public realizes she's an amazingly talented author as well and these books end up everywhere, like they deserve to be!
Completely switching genres (duh) it was a delight to read her words in the gothic horror space. It's a great standalone as well, one you could easily finish over a weekend if you were so inclined (and I was!)
She excels especially at mood and setting in this one; it felt like I was living the nightmare along with the MC, stuck in a mansion that was twisting and turning, evolving to control nightmares. It felt like one of those dreams you beg to wake up from, but when you do realize you enjoyed the experience haha.
I think this is a great intro point to her work as well. Overall, Scrimgeour continues to be one of my personal favorite indie authors, and it's a matter of time before the general public realizes she's an amazingly talented author as well and these books end up everywhere, like they deserve to be!
Review of advance copy received from Author
RtC
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
September 21, 2026
Oh my god… where do I even start? 🩸🖤
First of all, thank you so much to the author for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own!
Okay, so… the premise of this book had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m a sucker for gothic, dark and atmospheric stories, and when you add vampires, revenge and a creepy crumbling manor into the mix? What a treat. This book DELIVERED. 10/10
The story initially gave me a little bit of a Witcher vibe, with Alderose travelling from village to village, hunting monsters for coin, but it quickly developed its own unique world, rules and atmosphere. I really enjoyed following Alderose and seeing how her grief and desire for vengeance shaped the way she approached everything. She has absolutely no problem throwing herself into danger without thinking twice, but honestly… can I blame her? After losing her husband in such a horrific way, I could understand why she was so determined to find the creature responsible. In a strange way, I think that constant danger gave her something to focus on, something that made her feel alive instead of drowning in her grief.
Then comes Iestyn and his mysterious letter. He needs Alderose’s help, and in return, he promises to help her find the vampire who murdered her husband. Sounds simple, right?
Yeah… absolutely not. 😂
From the moment Alderose arrives at Wreymoor Hall, things become increasingly strange, unsettling and dangerous. I LOVED the atmosphere of this book. The manor felt like a character in itself, with its eerie, decaying surroundings and the constant feeling that something was lurking just beneath the surface. The gore and horror descriptions were deliciously disturbing too. There were definitely moments where I felt genuinely creeped out, but I was enjoying every second of it.
And Iestyn… Oh, man! What a sly, intriguing character. His words were always so secretive and sweet as honey, and I loved how he could make you question what was actually going on. The way the author weaved his words and little secrets into the story had me constantly wondering who, or what, I could trust. There was something so deliciously unsettling about him.
The tension was fantastic, the stakes kept getting higher, and the secrets? JUICY. There were so many moments where I thought I had things figured out, only to realise I absolutely did not. Oh, and the spice? It was written so well, it fitted the plot nicely!
I was completely pulled into this story. I kept telling myself just one more chapter and somehow ended up finishing the entire thing in a day!
Dark, gothic, bloody, atmospheric and full of secrets, Her Bloody Vengeance was such a fun read. And that ending… oh, dear reader. You’re going to have to pick this one up yourself to discover what really happened at Wreymoor Hall.
First of all, thank you so much to the author for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own!
Okay, so… the premise of this book had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m a sucker for gothic, dark and atmospheric stories, and when you add vampires, revenge and a creepy crumbling manor into the mix? What a treat. This book DELIVERED. 10/10
The story initially gave me a little bit of a Witcher vibe, with Alderose travelling from village to village, hunting monsters for coin, but it quickly developed its own unique world, rules and atmosphere. I really enjoyed following Alderose and seeing how her grief and desire for vengeance shaped the way she approached everything. She has absolutely no problem throwing herself into danger without thinking twice, but honestly… can I blame her? After losing her husband in such a horrific way, I could understand why she was so determined to find the creature responsible. In a strange way, I think that constant danger gave her something to focus on, something that made her feel alive instead of drowning in her grief.
Then comes Iestyn and his mysterious letter. He needs Alderose’s help, and in return, he promises to help her find the vampire who murdered her husband. Sounds simple, right?
Yeah… absolutely not. 😂
From the moment Alderose arrives at Wreymoor Hall, things become increasingly strange, unsettling and dangerous. I LOVED the atmosphere of this book. The manor felt like a character in itself, with its eerie, decaying surroundings and the constant feeling that something was lurking just beneath the surface. The gore and horror descriptions were deliciously disturbing too. There were definitely moments where I felt genuinely creeped out, but I was enjoying every second of it.
And Iestyn… Oh, man! What a sly, intriguing character. His words were always so secretive and sweet as honey, and I loved how he could make you question what was actually going on. The way the author weaved his words and little secrets into the story had me constantly wondering who, or what, I could trust. There was something so deliciously unsettling about him.
The tension was fantastic, the stakes kept getting higher, and the secrets? JUICY. There were so many moments where I thought I had things figured out, only to realise I absolutely did not. Oh, and the spice? It was written so well, it fitted the plot nicely!
I was completely pulled into this story. I kept telling myself just one more chapter and somehow ended up finishing the entire thing in a day!
Dark, gothic, bloody, atmospheric and full of secrets, Her Bloody Vengeance was such a fun read. And that ending… oh, dear reader. You’re going to have to pick this one up yourself to discover what really happened at Wreymoor Hall.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Starving Vampire, a Monster Hunter & A Whole Lot of Tension 🩸
A starving vampire and a monster hunter working together?!? WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?! 👀🩸
After losing her husband to a vampire on their wedding day, Alderose has dedicated her life to hunting monsters and seeking revenge. But when a vampire reaches out for her help, she finds herself facing an unlikely alliance that could change everything…
Think spooky gothic dark fantasy, morally grey characters, revenge, heartbreak, past trauma, and just a little bit of spice 🌶️
🖤 MY REVIEW 🖤
This book was DARK, heartbreaking, eerie, full of grief and everything I could possibly want from a spooky gothic fantasy!! The atmosphere was EVERYTHING, and I absolutely ate up the dark, eerie setting! 🖤🕯️
This was my first book that didn’t have a happy ending, and WOW… I have THOUGHTS. 😭💔 As heartbreaking as it was, I honestly think the ending was necessary for the story, and it made the whole experience that much more impactful!
I really enjoyed the little side quests Alderose went on to collect specific items to break the curse! I loved having those little missions throughout the story, and they kept me invested in finding out what was going to happen next!
Now, this might be controversial, BUT I LOVED the tension between the FMC and MMC!! 👀 The dynamic between them had me hooked, and I am SUCH a sucker for a vampire (pun absolutely intended)!! 🧛🏻♂️🩸 Give me morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and hateful lust simmering throughout the whole book, and I AM THERE!!
The writing was easy to follow, the storyline was captivating, and that PLOT TWIST AT THE END?!? I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!! The deceit😭 I love when a book manages to surprise me (even if it broke me), and this one definitely delivered!
It was an easy read but still managed to keep me captivated, and I was invested in Alderose’s story right until the end!
And can we PLEASE talk about the possibility of a SECOND BOOK?!? Because I would absolutely LOVE to see what Alderose does next in this new chapter of her life!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!! 🥹🖤
If you love gothic dark fantasy, morally grey characters, vampires, revenge, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a story that doesn’t promise you a happy ending, then this might be the book for you!! 🩸🕯️
A starving vampire and a monster hunter working together?!? WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?! 👀🩸
After losing her husband to a vampire on their wedding day, Alderose has dedicated her life to hunting monsters and seeking revenge. But when a vampire reaches out for her help, she finds herself facing an unlikely alliance that could change everything…
Think spooky gothic dark fantasy, morally grey characters, revenge, heartbreak, past trauma, and just a little bit of spice 🌶️
🖤 MY REVIEW 🖤
This book was DARK, heartbreaking, eerie, full of grief and everything I could possibly want from a spooky gothic fantasy!! The atmosphere was EVERYTHING, and I absolutely ate up the dark, eerie setting! 🖤🕯️
This was my first book that didn’t have a happy ending, and WOW… I have THOUGHTS. 😭💔 As heartbreaking as it was, I honestly think the ending was necessary for the story, and it made the whole experience that much more impactful!
I really enjoyed the little side quests Alderose went on to collect specific items to break the curse! I loved having those little missions throughout the story, and they kept me invested in finding out what was going to happen next!
Now, this might be controversial, BUT I LOVED the tension between the FMC and MMC!! 👀 The dynamic between them had me hooked, and I am SUCH a sucker for a vampire (pun absolutely intended)!! 🧛🏻♂️🩸 Give me morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and hateful lust simmering throughout the whole book, and I AM THERE!!
The writing was easy to follow, the storyline was captivating, and that PLOT TWIST AT THE END?!? I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!! The deceit😭 I love when a book manages to surprise me (even if it broke me), and this one definitely delivered!
It was an easy read but still managed to keep me captivated, and I was invested in Alderose’s story right until the end!
And can we PLEASE talk about the possibility of a SECOND BOOK?!? Because I would absolutely LOVE to see what Alderose does next in this new chapter of her life!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!! 🥹🖤
If you love gothic dark fantasy, morally grey characters, vampires, revenge, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a story that doesn’t promise you a happy ending, then this might be the book for you!! 🩸🕯️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to N.C. Scrimgeour for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! 🥀🩸
This was a dark, atmospheric revenge story that really pulled me in, especially as it went on.
The story follows Alderose, a woman seeking revenge on the vampire who killed her first love on their wedding day.
The atmosphere in this story was so tantalizing. Wreymoor Hall was written in such an immersive way that I could easily picture myself walking through its halls. It was such a fascinating place, but you’ll have to read the book yourself to discover exactly what it entails.
At times, I found myself disagreeing with Alderose’s choices, but I still could not put the book down. I had to know what she was going to get herself into next.
By the end, I found myself really enjoying the way the story came to a close. I had seen other reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the ending, and now I completely understand why.
If you enjoy gothic atmosphere, vampires, revenge stories, and strange, intriguing settings, this would be a great book for you!
⭐️ 4.5/5
This was a dark, atmospheric revenge story that really pulled me in, especially as it went on.
The story follows Alderose, a woman seeking revenge on the vampire who killed her first love on their wedding day.
The atmosphere in this story was so tantalizing. Wreymoor Hall was written in such an immersive way that I could easily picture myself walking through its halls. It was such a fascinating place, but you’ll have to read the book yourself to discover exactly what it entails.
At times, I found myself disagreeing with Alderose’s choices, but I still could not put the book down. I had to know what she was going to get herself into next.
By the end, I found myself really enjoying the way the story came to a close. I had seen other reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the ending, and now I completely understand why.
If you enjoy gothic atmosphere, vampires, revenge stories, and strange, intriguing settings, this would be a great book for you!
⭐️ 4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Her Bloody Vengeance was right up my alley. A beautifully written gothic story with a wonderfully dark atmosphere that kept me hooked from start to finish. The author's writing style is absolutely stunning and made it so easy to get lost in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the author's future work. If you love gothic fiction, I'd highly recommend picking this up when it releases on October 31.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the author's future work. If you love gothic fiction, I'd highly recommend picking this up when it releases on October 31.
Review of advance copy
Got an early copy to read and review. I enjoyed the setting and certain aspects of the story, but overall found it hard to connect with the characters and found it to be a bit predictable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story pulled me in right from the start. The characters have their own agendas and plans. You're given hints of their plans throughout the story but not told outright so you're left wondering if you're right or not until the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If there’s an equivalent of an author triathlon, it must be doing three genres in succession. In which case, all the medals go to N C Scrimgeour, because after an award-nominated sci-fi trilogy, followed by one of the best dark fantasy trilogies of the last decade, she’s now written a gothic horror vampire one-shot and for those still recovering from the emotional highs of her Sea of Souls Saga and wondering whether she can hack it down in the murky crypts of fright fic, then the answer is hell yes, literally in the case of the plot. Picture this: Imagine if the Bride from Kill Bill was a Witcher and then make it Dracula but add a dash of devilish Dante, and you’re not even close to how exceptional this short but blood-drainingly addictive entry into the horror genre is. Scrimgeour throws down every cliché in the book: a town plagued by monsters, a seemingly alive vampire mansion, and deals with the devil, but with prose this good and a monster hunter–vampire relationship this delightfully and subtly ambiguous and devastating, you remember why these clichés exist, and how superb Scrimgeour’s character work continues to be. This is her shortest book yet but I desperately didn’t want it to end; life, like a vampire, is a cruel thing.
The story centres on Alderose Mortimer, a grief-stricken monster hunter who roams villages completing Witcher-style contracts while hoping to one day get vengeance on the vampire who killed her groom on her wedding day. Her world is thrown upside down when, while hunting in the sleepy English village of Caelfeld, she gets an offer from another vampire, Lord Iestyn of the nearby Wreymoor Hall: if she helps him break the curse that has trapped him in his decrepit manor, he’ll help her hunt her husband’s murderer. But as the title of this book might suggest, vengeance comes with a catch; and as she grows closer to Iestyn, she risks losing her soul for the sake of her vengeance.
Now in her previous dark fantasy trilogy, Scrimgeour inventively utilised the creatures and myths of Scottish folklore. She does a similar trick here in this horror one-shot, but this time with the English kind; the story takes place in Shropshire (for the Americans: in the West Midlands, on the border with Wales) and Alderose encounters a number of creatures from English folklore as she helps the vampire break his curse for her own ends. This makes for a delicious real-folklore-meets-Witcher-side-quest concoction (if you’ve not heard of the Redcap, prepare to be disgusted). Another trait from her previous work is strong here: Scrimgeour’s capacity for devilish plot twists layered beneath plot twists that comes to the fore in the final act, which is a barrage of outrageous curtain reveals.
But the real star of this delicious vampire gothic is the relationship between Alderose and her temporary ally in her quest for vengeance, the trapped vampire lord Iestyn. Be warned, this isn’t a vampire trying to be good or a budding romance on the cards here; and to be clear I’m not even closing in on spoiler territory by admitting this as Scrimgeour has made this brutally clear in her book marketing: tragic gothic, no happy endings, etc. Instead, as these two grow closer, bonded by their hunger in different ways (respectively: to be free to feed, to kill the guy who ruined her wedding), Scrimgeour is interested in different questions than will they run off happily ever after, such as whether vengeance is worth it if you must ally with a monster; the cost to your soul; and, even more interestingly for me, the bonds that draw doomed people together and how this stretches beyond morality. Every scene between them is a joy, written in gloriously over-the-top gothic intensity that never falls into cliché thanks to the power of Scrimgeour’s good writing. Her fantasy trilogy was marked by the subtle character work of those scarred by vengeance and grief trying to relate to each other, and in the gothic genre, this works just as well: a reminder of the power of a tragic, raw, gothic.
Overall, full of gothic tragedy, brutality, and more grim, bloody truths than a Christmas family reunion, this utterly superb tale of a monster hunter’s pact with a vampire to seek her vengeance swaps hopeful romance for doomed desire and amorality and is all the more memorable for it. Scrimgeour’s deft jump from first-rate dark fantasy to pitch-perfect horror shows that in any genre, she is one of the must-read authors of the moment.
The story centres on Alderose Mortimer, a grief-stricken monster hunter who roams villages completing Witcher-style contracts while hoping to one day get vengeance on the vampire who killed her groom on her wedding day. Her world is thrown upside down when, while hunting in the sleepy English village of Caelfeld, she gets an offer from another vampire, Lord Iestyn of the nearby Wreymoor Hall: if she helps him break the curse that has trapped him in his decrepit manor, he’ll help her hunt her husband’s murderer. But as the title of this book might suggest, vengeance comes with a catch; and as she grows closer to Iestyn, she risks losing her soul for the sake of her vengeance.
Now in her previous dark fantasy trilogy, Scrimgeour inventively utilised the creatures and myths of Scottish folklore. She does a similar trick here in this horror one-shot, but this time with the English kind; the story takes place in Shropshire (for the Americans: in the West Midlands, on the border with Wales) and Alderose encounters a number of creatures from English folklore as she helps the vampire break his curse for her own ends. This makes for a delicious real-folklore-meets-Witcher-side-quest concoction (if you’ve not heard of the Redcap, prepare to be disgusted). Another trait from her previous work is strong here: Scrimgeour’s capacity for devilish plot twists layered beneath plot twists that comes to the fore in the final act, which is a barrage of outrageous curtain reveals.
But the real star of this delicious vampire gothic is the relationship between Alderose and her temporary ally in her quest for vengeance, the trapped vampire lord Iestyn. Be warned, this isn’t a vampire trying to be good or a budding romance on the cards here; and to be clear I’m not even closing in on spoiler territory by admitting this as Scrimgeour has made this brutally clear in her book marketing: tragic gothic, no happy endings, etc. Instead, as these two grow closer, bonded by their hunger in different ways (respectively: to be free to feed, to kill the guy who ruined her wedding), Scrimgeour is interested in different questions than will they run off happily ever after, such as whether vengeance is worth it if you must ally with a monster; the cost to your soul; and, even more interestingly for me, the bonds that draw doomed people together and how this stretches beyond morality. Every scene between them is a joy, written in gloriously over-the-top gothic intensity that never falls into cliché thanks to the power of Scrimgeour’s good writing. Her fantasy trilogy was marked by the subtle character work of those scarred by vengeance and grief trying to relate to each other, and in the gothic genre, this works just as well: a reminder of the power of a tragic, raw, gothic.
Overall, full of gothic tragedy, brutality, and more grim, bloody truths than a Christmas family reunion, this utterly superb tale of a monster hunter’s pact with a vampire to seek her vengeance swaps hopeful romance for doomed desire and amorality and is all the more memorable for it. Scrimgeour’s deft jump from first-rate dark fantasy to pitch-perfect horror shows that in any genre, she is one of the must-read authors of the moment.
September 17, 2026
ARC Review: Her Bloody Vengeance by N.C. Scrimgeour
Thank you to the author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her Bloody Vengeance is a dark, atmospheric gothic horror with a monster-hunting female main character , vampires, vengeance, a creepy old manor and just enough gore and spice to keep things interesting.
We follow Alderose Mortimer, a monster hunter who was driven to become one after her husband was murdered by a vampire on their wedding day. When a mysterious letter from Lord Iestyn draws her to the imposing Wreymoor Hall, Alderose is offered the chance to finally get closer to the vengeance she has been chasing .
The writing is fast-paced but still manages to create this wonderfully claustrophobic and moody atmosphere . The use of pathetic fallacy worked well for me, with the weather and surrounding landscape adding to the sense that something is constantly lurking just beneath the surface.
I also really enjoyed the setting. I love fantasy that feels rooted somewhere familiar, and having this story set around Shropshire, Wales and surrounding area, with recognisable landscapes and landmarks woven into the world, gave it a lovely sense of place for me.
Alderose was an interesting character to follow. Her grief and desire for revenge are at the heart of the story, but she never felt like she was defined by them. The characters felt well-rounded without being over-explained, which I think worked well for a standalone novel. We get enough to understand who these characters are, what drives them and why they matter to the story without pages of backstory.
There is some gore, a sprinkling of spice and plenty of darkness, but I actually think this could be a great book for someone wanting to dip their toes into fantasy or gothic horror without committing to an intimidating epic fantasy series. Equally, it makes for a brilliant shorter read between longer books. It’s also a perfect spooky season read.
If anything, I came away wanting more of Alderose. I would enjoy learning more of her training, her experiences as a monster hunter and some of the other monsters she encountered along the way. That isn’t a criticism of this book — more a testament to the fact that I found her world interesting enough to want to explore it further.
And then there’s the ending. There is no happy ending here. Going in knowing that probably helped me appreciate it for what it was, because this is very much a story about grief, vengeance and the consequences of pursuing both. It fits the gothic tone of the book rather than trying to wrap everything up neatly.
My one little bugbear; and this may be completely personal, was the use of the word “rapier.” I became increasingly aware of it because it felt like it appeared a lot. It didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book at all, but by the end I definitely was thinking “I get it, she’s got a rapier.”
Overall, I enjoyed this. It’s dark, atmospheric and fast-paced and that kept me turning the pages. This is the first book by N.C Scrimgeour that I have read, but I’ll definitely be picking up another.
If you want a Halloween read and like gothic horror, vampires, monster hunters, creepy manors and stories that get a little bloody, this might just be the book for you.
4 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her Bloody Vengeance is a dark, atmospheric gothic horror with a monster-hunting female main character , vampires, vengeance, a creepy old manor and just enough gore and spice to keep things interesting.
We follow Alderose Mortimer, a monster hunter who was driven to become one after her husband was murdered by a vampire on their wedding day. When a mysterious letter from Lord Iestyn draws her to the imposing Wreymoor Hall, Alderose is offered the chance to finally get closer to the vengeance she has been chasing .
The writing is fast-paced but still manages to create this wonderfully claustrophobic and moody atmosphere . The use of pathetic fallacy worked well for me, with the weather and surrounding landscape adding to the sense that something is constantly lurking just beneath the surface.
I also really enjoyed the setting. I love fantasy that feels rooted somewhere familiar, and having this story set around Shropshire, Wales and surrounding area, with recognisable landscapes and landmarks woven into the world, gave it a lovely sense of place for me.
Alderose was an interesting character to follow. Her grief and desire for revenge are at the heart of the story, but she never felt like she was defined by them. The characters felt well-rounded without being over-explained, which I think worked well for a standalone novel. We get enough to understand who these characters are, what drives them and why they matter to the story without pages of backstory.
There is some gore, a sprinkling of spice and plenty of darkness, but I actually think this could be a great book for someone wanting to dip their toes into fantasy or gothic horror without committing to an intimidating epic fantasy series. Equally, it makes for a brilliant shorter read between longer books. It’s also a perfect spooky season read.
If anything, I came away wanting more of Alderose. I would enjoy learning more of her training, her experiences as a monster hunter and some of the other monsters she encountered along the way. That isn’t a criticism of this book — more a testament to the fact that I found her world interesting enough to want to explore it further.
And then there’s the ending. There is no happy ending here. Going in knowing that probably helped me appreciate it for what it was, because this is very much a story about grief, vengeance and the consequences of pursuing both. It fits the gothic tone of the book rather than trying to wrap everything up neatly.
My one little bugbear; and this may be completely personal, was the use of the word “rapier.” I became increasingly aware of it because it felt like it appeared a lot. It didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book at all, but by the end I definitely was thinking “I get it, she’s got a rapier.”
Overall, I enjoyed this. It’s dark, atmospheric and fast-paced and that kept me turning the pages. This is the first book by N.C Scrimgeour that I have read, but I’ll definitely be picking up another.
If you want a Halloween read and like gothic horror, vampires, monster hunters, creepy manors and stories that get a little bloody, this might just be the book for you.
4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like I read this at the perfect time of year. Autumnal vibes are starting to creep in, and this landed at exactly the right time for me. I actually think it would be even better in the middle of winter, sitting in front of a fire, but I had such a good time with it.
I love anything vampire related, and I’m a massive fan of the gothic vampire classics. I love Dracula, Carmilla, Diary of Blood and Milk Teeth, so when you give me vampires, gothic settings and all the deliciously dark atmosphere that comes with them, I’m very much in.
One of my favourite things about this was Alderose Mortimer. She’s a monster hunter, on a mission to kill monsters, and somehow manages to get herself completely wrapped up with a vampire. I loved her character. She’s fascinating and complex. She’s a little naive in some ways, incredibly tough in others, very strong in her opinions and thoughts, while also being surprisingly unsure of herself at times. I really enjoyed discovering more about her, particularly her tragic past, and watching all of those different sides of her come together.
And then there’s Iestyn. He gave me genuine Dracula vibes, which was absolutely a compliment coming from me. He’s dark and brooding, an absolute enigma, and you’re constantly wondering what he’s thinking and what he’s actually doing. I loved that about him because it reminded me of what I love about Dracula in the first place.
The setting was another massive win for me. Wreymoor Hall is exactly the sort of gothic manor setting I want in a book like this, and the Yorkshire moors, Wales and the village of Caelfeld all added to that wonderfully eerie atmosphere. There’s something about a remote village where everyone is terrified of the vampire lurking nearby that just works.
I also really enjoyed how quickly the plot moved. Alderose is sent on different tasks, which keeps things moving and meant I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, and without giving anything away, the ending is not necessarily what you think it’s going to be. I actually think that gives the story such a great edge because it feels like the ending that suits this particular gothic vampire story best.
The writing really sucked me in, too. I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere, and there’s just something about the whole book that made me want to curl up somewhere cosy and keep reading. There’s also a bit of spice thrown in, because apparently we can’t have vampires without that.
I ended up reading this in just a couple of days, despite reading a couple of other books at the same time. I kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it and finding myself thinking, “Oh, I really need to go back to that.” I just ate this up.
It’s gothic, atmospheric, vampirey, a little spicy, full of twists, and genuinely just a really fun read. Basically everything I want to be reading while sitting in front of a fire with a glass of wine as autumn turns into winter.
I just had such a good time with this.
This was an ARC copy that I received from the author.
I love anything vampire related, and I’m a massive fan of the gothic vampire classics. I love Dracula, Carmilla, Diary of Blood and Milk Teeth, so when you give me vampires, gothic settings and all the deliciously dark atmosphere that comes with them, I’m very much in.
One of my favourite things about this was Alderose Mortimer. She’s a monster hunter, on a mission to kill monsters, and somehow manages to get herself completely wrapped up with a vampire. I loved her character. She’s fascinating and complex. She’s a little naive in some ways, incredibly tough in others, very strong in her opinions and thoughts, while also being surprisingly unsure of herself at times. I really enjoyed discovering more about her, particularly her tragic past, and watching all of those different sides of her come together.
And then there’s Iestyn. He gave me genuine Dracula vibes, which was absolutely a compliment coming from me. He’s dark and brooding, an absolute enigma, and you’re constantly wondering what he’s thinking and what he’s actually doing. I loved that about him because it reminded me of what I love about Dracula in the first place.
The setting was another massive win for me. Wreymoor Hall is exactly the sort of gothic manor setting I want in a book like this, and the Yorkshire moors, Wales and the village of Caelfeld all added to that wonderfully eerie atmosphere. There’s something about a remote village where everyone is terrified of the vampire lurking nearby that just works.
I also really enjoyed how quickly the plot moved. Alderose is sent on different tasks, which keeps things moving and meant I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, and without giving anything away, the ending is not necessarily what you think it’s going to be. I actually think that gives the story such a great edge because it feels like the ending that suits this particular gothic vampire story best.
The writing really sucked me in, too. I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere, and there’s just something about the whole book that made me want to curl up somewhere cosy and keep reading. There’s also a bit of spice thrown in, because apparently we can’t have vampires without that.
I ended up reading this in just a couple of days, despite reading a couple of other books at the same time. I kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it and finding myself thinking, “Oh, I really need to go back to that.” I just ate this up.
It’s gothic, atmospheric, vampirey, a little spicy, full of twists, and genuinely just a really fun read. Basically everything I want to be reading while sitting in front of a fire with a glass of wine as autumn turns into winter.
I just had such a good time with this.
This was an ARC copy that I received from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
** I received an E-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest read and review. **
“Her Bloody Vengeance” by N.C. Scrimgeour will creep onto readers' must read lists this Halloween, Oct 31st… and what perfect timing it will be for this Gothic Horror debut from Scrimgeour. However, this being “technically” her debut in this genre, having read her “Sea of Souls” Saga, it comes as no surprise that N.C. knows how to set your blood pumping… and with what she has lurking in the shadows of this thriller, our elevated heart rates might just put us in even more danger! 🩸
Our MC, Alderose, has spent the last 6yrs of her somber existence prepping, hunting, grieving…and ridding the world of the monsters that have created her, and her lust for vengeance! After losing the love of her life, on their wedding day 6 yrs prior, we find our hard and driven MC within the dense and chilling fog that has gripped the quiet village of Caelfeld. Her relentless hunt has led her here…and something has raised her alarms and put the entire town on edge. Strange disappearances, bloody bodies, and a trail of terror has crept from the shadows and set in motion a hunt…that may very well be targeting her. 😈
A terrifyingly quick, but brutally detailed jaunt through pages packed with intrigue, lust, folklore magic and gothic darkness has Scrimgeour enchanting us readers, and luring us into a game of power and restless hunger. Think of this book as an invitation from N.C. to partake in a bloody ritual that will require nothing short of everything from us… our souls, our emotions, our patience, our blind ambition. And just like Alderose…”I accept.” ☠️
Folklore monsters and magic, weave through chapters laced with fear and gore. Manors holding secrets behind the glamour of prestige, and words written in the very blood that holds the power of this tale. Don't leave yourself unguarded, it's not just the monsters that are watching your every move, or reading your very thoughts…happy endings don't tend to find themselves in these stories, and I would warn you to not look for them here. Wow N.C. you made your mark here…or, ‘punctured’ seems the right description, I dare say. 😏
4⭐ blood pumping hunt for us readers here. The only mark against this bloody ballad (for myself mind you) was the “lust” portions of the tale … I understood them by the end (what a wild twist that turned into) but I just didn't enjoy these interactions. That's just my preference though ..those that like a little spice, you probably found yourselves a little morbidly guilty pleasure. A chilling little quote from our author seems a fitting way to end this review -
“Vengeance is rather like blood…once you've had a taste of it, no amount will ever be enough.”
So go ahead, sink your teeth into the bloody pages of this creation, and enjoy the darkness everyone! 📚
“Her Bloody Vengeance” by N.C. Scrimgeour will creep onto readers' must read lists this Halloween, Oct 31st… and what perfect timing it will be for this Gothic Horror debut from Scrimgeour. However, this being “technically” her debut in this genre, having read her “Sea of Souls” Saga, it comes as no surprise that N.C. knows how to set your blood pumping… and with what she has lurking in the shadows of this thriller, our elevated heart rates might just put us in even more danger! 🩸
Our MC, Alderose, has spent the last 6yrs of her somber existence prepping, hunting, grieving…and ridding the world of the monsters that have created her, and her lust for vengeance! After losing the love of her life, on their wedding day 6 yrs prior, we find our hard and driven MC within the dense and chilling fog that has gripped the quiet village of Caelfeld. Her relentless hunt has led her here…and something has raised her alarms and put the entire town on edge. Strange disappearances, bloody bodies, and a trail of terror has crept from the shadows and set in motion a hunt…that may very well be targeting her. 😈
A terrifyingly quick, but brutally detailed jaunt through pages packed with intrigue, lust, folklore magic and gothic darkness has Scrimgeour enchanting us readers, and luring us into a game of power and restless hunger. Think of this book as an invitation from N.C. to partake in a bloody ritual that will require nothing short of everything from us… our souls, our emotions, our patience, our blind ambition. And just like Alderose…”I accept.” ☠️
Folklore monsters and magic, weave through chapters laced with fear and gore. Manors holding secrets behind the glamour of prestige, and words written in the very blood that holds the power of this tale. Don't leave yourself unguarded, it's not just the monsters that are watching your every move, or reading your very thoughts…happy endings don't tend to find themselves in these stories, and I would warn you to not look for them here. Wow N.C. you made your mark here…or, ‘punctured’ seems the right description, I dare say. 😏
4⭐ blood pumping hunt for us readers here. The only mark against this bloody ballad (for myself mind you) was the “lust” portions of the tale … I understood them by the end (what a wild twist that turned into) but I just didn't enjoy these interactions. That's just my preference though ..those that like a little spice, you probably found yourselves a little morbidly guilty pleasure. A chilling little quote from our author seems a fitting way to end this review -
“Vengeance is rather like blood…once you've had a taste of it, no amount will ever be enough.”
So go ahead, sink your teeth into the bloody pages of this creation, and enjoy the darkness everyone! 📚
October 27, 2026
For six years, Alderose Mortimer has been a roaming mercenary, hunting down monsters with her silver rapier, so others will not suffer her fate: arriving at the church to find a vampire has slaughtered her groom. She carries in her pocket her fiance’s pistol and two silver bullets—if she ever encounters the fiend that took her beloved Henry, she will end the creature and finally, perhaps, know peace. When she arrives in the town of Caelfeld, it is clear that an evil presence hovers over the land, drawing in monsters of all kinds to prey on the people living there. After she receives a letter written in blood requesting her help, she discovers the vampire living in the manor nearby, Lord Iestyn, who reveals that he was trapped there by the vampire responsible for murdering her fiance. He proposes a bargain: if she will gather the ingredients for the counterspell and free him, Iestyn will take her to Elric, whom she has sought vengeance upon for six years. Despite her misgivings, Alderose agrees, but as she finds and returns with each abhorrent object, she begins to fear that the path to revenge will leave her forever altered. Is she truly willing to become a monster to realize her revenge? And can she walk away after it is done, or will Iestyn seduce her to her doom?
This was an excellent book! Alderose is a compellingly flawed heroine, using wine to push away her nightmares as she hunts monsters across the country. Iestyn was a suitably monstrous foil to her, his obvious hunger for her and his cold nature both alluring and disturbing in equal measure. The romance/obsession between the two burns slow, but hot! (I would rate it 3 to 3.5 peppers.) The setting is intensely gothic and interesting, with Iestyn using glamors to partly conceal the crumbling state of his manor, and Alderose traveling over foggy moorland and craggy hills on the English/Welsh border—very atmospheric and spooky. I liked the secondary characters we encountered, but this is very much Alderose’s tale: her internal battle against her attraction to Iestyn, grappling with her own ruthless streak, her consuming need for revenge, and the lurking danger of being so hollowed out by her grief that she can never truly live again. There is a big twist towards the end, and the payoff of some of the plotlines at the end is immensely satisfying. I highly recommend this one to readers who want spicy gothic fantasy, twisty and interesting horromance, characters with complex motivations, mind games, and selfish and duplicitous lead characters. I could see it appealing to readers who want the vibes of Game of Thrones in a standalone novel, and fans of Jane Eyre and other classic gothic novels who are looking for more explicit intimacy.
My thanks to the author for providing an advance reader copy!
This was an excellent book! Alderose is a compellingly flawed heroine, using wine to push away her nightmares as she hunts monsters across the country. Iestyn was a suitably monstrous foil to her, his obvious hunger for her and his cold nature both alluring and disturbing in equal measure. The romance/obsession between the two burns slow, but hot! (I would rate it 3 to 3.5 peppers.) The setting is intensely gothic and interesting, with Iestyn using glamors to partly conceal the crumbling state of his manor, and Alderose traveling over foggy moorland and craggy hills on the English/Welsh border—very atmospheric and spooky. I liked the secondary characters we encountered, but this is very much Alderose’s tale: her internal battle against her attraction to Iestyn, grappling with her own ruthless streak, her consuming need for revenge, and the lurking danger of being so hollowed out by her grief that she can never truly live again. There is a big twist towards the end, and the payoff of some of the plotlines at the end is immensely satisfying. I highly recommend this one to readers who want spicy gothic fantasy, twisty and interesting horromance, characters with complex motivations, mind games, and selfish and duplicitous lead characters. I could see it appealing to readers who want the vibes of Game of Thrones in a standalone novel, and fans of Jane Eyre and other classic gothic novels who are looking for more explicit intimacy.
My thanks to the author for providing an advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thanks so much to the author for giving me my first ever advance reader copy!!
I went into this book expecting gothic vibes, vampires and revenge, and somehow came out emotionally attached, slightly traumatised and wondering what the hell was going on😭. Her Bloody Vengeance absolutely delivered!!🖤🩸
I really loved the atmosphere in this book! The creepy manor, the ramshackle town, creepy groves and graveyards, secrets, and the sense that something was lurking around every corner! Although Alderose’s investigation skills need some work🤣 who walks in to a place like Wreymoor Hall and thinks “Nope, this is a perfectly reasonable place to investigate” 😭
Alderose was such a brilliant character to follow! She’s grieving, angry and absolutely determined but has literally no survival instincts whatsoever! Does she ever think a single decision through? 🤣
And Iestyn caught me so off guard!! So mysterious and charming but with many secrets hiding underneath the surface! He had me so suspicious for literally the whole book, trying to work out what was going on and who could be trusted and I was still wrong in the end🤣
The secrets were next level, every time I thought I had something figured out, the book basically laughed in my face! It really lured me into a false sense of security and then said “WRONG❌”
The horror and gore were top notch, deliciously creepy, wonderfully bloody and a lot of opened bowels!!
The spice fitted into this story really well and didn’t feel like too much or just thrown in for the sake of it, and the timing felt so right!!
I genuinely flew through this book, I kept telling myself one more chapter and then suddenly I was at the end wondering where the rest of my day had gone🤣
Dark, gothic, bloody, atmospheric, mysterious, and packed full of secrets, Her Bloody Vengeance was SUCH a fun read!!
The ending literally had me in disbelief!!
If you like vampires, gothic fantasy, revenge, plot twists and morally grey characters then this one is for you!!! 🩸🗡️
I went into this book expecting gothic vibes, vampires and revenge, and somehow came out emotionally attached, slightly traumatised and wondering what the hell was going on😭. Her Bloody Vengeance absolutely delivered!!🖤🩸
I really loved the atmosphere in this book! The creepy manor, the ramshackle town, creepy groves and graveyards, secrets, and the sense that something was lurking around every corner! Although Alderose’s investigation skills need some work🤣 who walks in to a place like Wreymoor Hall and thinks “Nope, this is a perfectly reasonable place to investigate” 😭
Alderose was such a brilliant character to follow! She’s grieving, angry and absolutely determined but has literally no survival instincts whatsoever! Does she ever think a single decision through? 🤣
And Iestyn caught me so off guard!! So mysterious and charming but with many secrets hiding underneath the surface! He had me so suspicious for literally the whole book, trying to work out what was going on and who could be trusted and I was still wrong in the end🤣
The secrets were next level, every time I thought I had something figured out, the book basically laughed in my face! It really lured me into a false sense of security and then said “WRONG❌”
The horror and gore were top notch, deliciously creepy, wonderfully bloody and a lot of opened bowels!!
The spice fitted into this story really well and didn’t feel like too much or just thrown in for the sake of it, and the timing felt so right!!
I genuinely flew through this book, I kept telling myself one more chapter and then suddenly I was at the end wondering where the rest of my day had gone🤣
Dark, gothic, bloody, atmospheric, mysterious, and packed full of secrets, Her Bloody Vengeance was SUCH a fun read!!
The ending literally had me in disbelief!!
If you like vampires, gothic fantasy, revenge, plot twists and morally grey characters then this one is for you!!! 🩸🗡️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an absolute delight to read with the darkness it promised me and also delivered on.
Yes I was lucky to have an advance copy to read that certainly has no bearing on my thoughts and rating of this.
If you are a reader who can not get as distracted with other life stuff happening I for sure reckon you could devour this in a few sittings.
.
So to the book itself. "And with that, I set myself on a path I cannot turn back from." This quote really sums up the momentum of this story for me Alderose really just goes so deep into a journey she can not stop herself doing and it starts even with action and supernatural bumps in the night which for me is just top tier. I enjoy ghouls, creatures and of course a vampire story. This really hits the stop of the otherworld and tension. This even extends to the house setting putting you on edge.
Not even just from the physical action which grips you, it's the psychological aspect of it. Knowing I am getting a not happy ending.....but how unhappy will it really be?
I found Alderose a very realistic character that drew me in and while she was questioning things it really did make me question them too.
Iestyn as our main vampire character was also done well that I felt like I had been given just enough about him to keep me interested in what role he really is playing in Alderose journey, but still that classic allure of not really knowing a vampire at the same time.
.
This really would have taken me such a quicker time to read if I wasn't bogged down with study student life and kids. But I grabbed it at any chance I could and was itching to pick it back up again. Which is really why I have also given it such a good rating. When a book especially a standalone gives me the urge to pick up and read when I can easily get put off by a book deserves to be shared and shouted about.
.
Yes no happy ending but I loved that!!
Yes I was lucky to have an advance copy to read that certainly has no bearing on my thoughts and rating of this.
If you are a reader who can not get as distracted with other life stuff happening I for sure reckon you could devour this in a few sittings.
.
So to the book itself. "And with that, I set myself on a path I cannot turn back from." This quote really sums up the momentum of this story for me Alderose really just goes so deep into a journey she can not stop herself doing and it starts even with action and supernatural bumps in the night which for me is just top tier. I enjoy ghouls, creatures and of course a vampire story. This really hits the stop of the otherworld and tension. This even extends to the house setting putting you on edge.
Not even just from the physical action which grips you, it's the psychological aspect of it. Knowing I am getting a not happy ending.....but how unhappy will it really be?
I found Alderose a very realistic character that drew me in and while she was questioning things it really did make me question them too.
Iestyn as our main vampire character was also done well that I felt like I had been given just enough about him to keep me interested in what role he really is playing in Alderose journey, but still that classic allure of not really knowing a vampire at the same time.
.
This really would have taken me such a quicker time to read if I wasn't bogged down with study student life and kids. But I grabbed it at any chance I could and was itching to pick it back up again. Which is really why I have also given it such a good rating. When a book especially a standalone gives me the urge to pick up and read when I can easily get put off by a book deserves to be shared and shouted about.
.
Yes no happy ending but I loved that!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my very first vampire book, so I went into it feeling a little unsure of what to expect. I wasn’t quite sure whether the vampire genre would be for me, but I can honestly say this book completely surprised me.
I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite things about the book was the level of description. The author has such a vivid way of bringing the world to life that I could clearly picture the settings, characters, and everything unfolding around them. The gothic atmosphere was especially well done, with the dark, haunting buildings and eerie surroundings creating the perfect backdrop for the story. It gave the whole book a wonderfully atmospheric and almost dreamlike quality.
I also found myself getting completely absorbed in the story. It was one of those books that stayed in the back of my mind even when I wasn’t reading it.
There were also moments where the overall feel reminded me slightly of Crown Me Yours by Liv Xander, particularly in the darker, more intense atmosphere and the way the story pulled me in.
For my first experience with a vampire book, I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the genre. It completely drew me in, and I’m definitely curious to see what other vampire books have to offer now.
My one bug bear to this was Alderose. I pictured her as a strong women who had her heart broken and was seeking revenge but it felt like she was going against everything she stood for, sometimes, to the point where she was annoying with her choices. I actually preferred Elric and Iestyn. Don't know what that says about me 👀
With that being said I highly recommend this book and am so grateful to the author for giving me my first taste 😉 of the vampire genre.
I read this book as an ARC
I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite things about the book was the level of description. The author has such a vivid way of bringing the world to life that I could clearly picture the settings, characters, and everything unfolding around them. The gothic atmosphere was especially well done, with the dark, haunting buildings and eerie surroundings creating the perfect backdrop for the story. It gave the whole book a wonderfully atmospheric and almost dreamlike quality.
I also found myself getting completely absorbed in the story. It was one of those books that stayed in the back of my mind even when I wasn’t reading it.
There were also moments where the overall feel reminded me slightly of Crown Me Yours by Liv Xander, particularly in the darker, more intense atmosphere and the way the story pulled me in.
For my first experience with a vampire book, I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the genre. It completely drew me in, and I’m definitely curious to see what other vampire books have to offer now.
My one bug bear to this was Alderose. I pictured her as a strong women who had her heart broken and was seeking revenge but it felt like she was going against everything she stood for, sometimes, to the point where she was annoying with her choices. I actually preferred Elric and Iestyn. Don't know what that says about me 👀
With that being said I highly recommend this book and am so grateful to the author for giving me my first taste 😉 of the vampire genre.
I read this book as an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Thank you to the author for the complimentary eARC. All opinions are my own.**
Ok, ok, I have thoughts! This is the first time I came across this author and I was intrigued by the description of this book. NOT the vampires - I'm sorry, I don't like vampires and I am keeping that separate from my rating - but the manor, the vengeance, and the blood. Also, a Halloween pub date has me by the seasonal ba...well, you get what I'm saying.
What I enjoyed about this book:
-The writing is delectable - I love how Gothic and descriptive her prose is.
-The manor is creepy, especially knowing there are glamours at work. I enjoyed the pull it has on Alderose.
-The journey Alderose goes on to find each piece of the spell. While the world-building doesn't have a TON of depth, the author captured a good amount for the length of the book.
What I didn't enjoy:
-Really, I have one main complaint here. I did not get enough detail and was never emotionally invested in Henry and Alderose. She is doing all of these horrible things for vengeance - his death is the trigger for the plot - but I don't feel like we were pulled into their history enough to care. Yes, Henry was supposed to marry her which would imply they loved each other, but I wanted more. I wanted to feel as devastated and angry as Alderose and I simply couldn't.
Now, regardless of this, I think if you like vampires a lot you might not have the con I listed drag you down as much. I for one am excited to see more from this author even if this wasn't a 4+ star review. I plan on checking out her Sea of Souls Saga as that really sounds like something I'd adore.
Ok, ok, I have thoughts! This is the first time I came across this author and I was intrigued by the description of this book. NOT the vampires - I'm sorry, I don't like vampires and I am keeping that separate from my rating - but the manor, the vengeance, and the blood. Also, a Halloween pub date has me by the seasonal ba...well, you get what I'm saying.
What I enjoyed about this book:
-The writing is delectable - I love how Gothic and descriptive her prose is.
-The manor is creepy, especially knowing there are glamours at work. I enjoyed the pull it has on Alderose.
-The journey Alderose goes on to find each piece of the spell. While the world-building doesn't have a TON of depth, the author captured a good amount for the length of the book.
What I didn't enjoy:
-Really, I have one main complaint here. I did not get enough detail and was never emotionally invested in Henry and Alderose. She is doing all of these horrible things for vengeance - his death is the trigger for the plot - but I don't feel like we were pulled into their history enough to care. Yes, Henry was supposed to marry her which would imply they loved each other, but I wanted more. I wanted to feel as devastated and angry as Alderose and I simply couldn't.
Now, regardless of this, I think if you like vampires a lot you might not have the con I listed drag you down as much. I for one am excited to see more from this author even if this wasn't a 4+ star review. I plan on checking out her Sea of Souls Saga as that really sounds like something I'd adore.
October 1, 2026
“Vengeance is rather like blood, you know. Once you’ve had a taste of it, no amount will ever be enough.”
Wow! This is a new favorite book and one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A monster hunter, Alderose, helps towns get rid of otherworldly creatures. We encounter several mythical creatures throughout this dark, brooding, and violent story. She accepts an invitation from a lone man living in a manor on the hill. No one goes near this place. His letter is written in blood. You can imagine which supernatural creature he might be.
The house, Wreymoor Hall, is a central
character too. Totally creepy.
“Wreymoor Hall would like me to rest here. It would cradle my bones as if it were my tomb, feast on my flesh as if it were the worms in the soil. And part of my weary soul would welcome it.” Shudder
Scrimgeour’s prose is just spot on. It’s a classic horror novel with all the right elements of creepy atmosphere, dreaded anticipation, heartache, yearning, and heart- pounding terror.
I ashamedly admit I routes for Iestyn. He was fascinating and horrible at the same time. He warns:
“You are looking for tenderness where none exists.”
I really should be careful.
I’ve read her fantasy trilogy which is so good. I did not expect such a scary novel from her. The slow buildup before the climax is magnificently crafted.
I was along for this terrifying ride. The ending is just chef’s kiss!
I can’t recommend highly enough. Get this book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC.
Wow! This is a new favorite book and one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A monster hunter, Alderose, helps towns get rid of otherworldly creatures. We encounter several mythical creatures throughout this dark, brooding, and violent story. She accepts an invitation from a lone man living in a manor on the hill. No one goes near this place. His letter is written in blood. You can imagine which supernatural creature he might be.
The house, Wreymoor Hall, is a central
character too. Totally creepy.
“Wreymoor Hall would like me to rest here. It would cradle my bones as if it were my tomb, feast on my flesh as if it were the worms in the soil. And part of my weary soul would welcome it.” Shudder
Scrimgeour’s prose is just spot on. It’s a classic horror novel with all the right elements of creepy atmosphere, dreaded anticipation, heartache, yearning, and heart- pounding terror.
I ashamedly admit I routes for Iestyn. He was fascinating and horrible at the same time. He warns:
“You are looking for tenderness where none exists.”
I really should be careful.
I’ve read her fantasy trilogy which is so good. I did not expect such a scary novel from her. The slow buildup before the climax is magnificently crafted.
I was along for this terrifying ride. The ending is just chef’s kiss!
I can’t recommend highly enough. Get this book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
HER BLOODY VENGEANCE is a darkly gothic horrormance novel with vampires and the need for vengeance taking the main character down a dark path.
This is a gothic horror drawing on monsters from British folklore as well as the vampires. The vampires are the focus - there are two at the heart of the book, locked in a battle - but there are redcaps and gwyllion too. Given Alderose is a monster hunter, you get plenty of action as she takes on those preying on others, though Iestyn is hard to resist.
This is definitely on the horrormance side of things. Alderose is drawn to Iestyn and it gets steamier in a way her previous books haven't. It is a relationship of hunger and being drawn to the darker parts of others, the way that horrormance thrives on.
There is a lot of atmosphere too, which for me makes it gothic in a way the vampires or possibly-Victorian setting alone wouldn't. You have a glamourised house that projects the nightmares its seen. You have have the lure of the vampire and the heavy weight of knowing this is a path she should not go down, but really wants to despite herself. The obsession with hunger from both of them - vengeance, blood, the need for something more.
It's quite a short tale but packs a lot in, the pages turning themselves easily as you want to know just how badly this is all going to end.
HER BLOODY VENGEANCE is a darkly gothic horrormance novel with vampires and the need for vengeance taking the main character down a dark path.
This is a gothic horror drawing on monsters from British folklore as well as the vampires. The vampires are the focus - there are two at the heart of the book, locked in a battle - but there are redcaps and gwyllion too. Given Alderose is a monster hunter, you get plenty of action as she takes on those preying on others, though Iestyn is hard to resist.
This is definitely on the horrormance side of things. Alderose is drawn to Iestyn and it gets steamier in a way her previous books haven't. It is a relationship of hunger and being drawn to the darker parts of others, the way that horrormance thrives on.
There is a lot of atmosphere too, which for me makes it gothic in a way the vampires or possibly-Victorian setting alone wouldn't. You have a glamourised house that projects the nightmares its seen. You have have the lure of the vampire and the heavy weight of knowing this is a path she should not go down, but really wants to despite herself. The obsession with hunger from both of them - vengeance, blood, the need for something more.
It's quite a short tale but packs a lot in, the pages turning themselves easily as you want to know just how badly this is all going to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m always a sucker for a good gothic horror, and Her Bloody Vengeance did not disappoint! There’s just something about a deliciously dark, twisted story filled with secrets, vengeance, haunting atmospheres and characters who are perhaps a little too comfortable with the darker side of life that completely draws me in.
From the very beginning, I was pulled into this dark and gripping tale. There’s a wonderfully sinister atmosphere running throughout the story, and I loved the way it embraces the gothic horror elements without shying away from the darker and more disturbing aspects of the narrative. It’s the kind of story that feels deliciously uncomfortable in the best possible way, keeping you turning the pages because you simply have to know how everything is going to unfold.
One thing I will say is that if you’re someone who absolutely requires a happy ending, this may not be the story for you. This is not a tale that necessarily follows the traditional path of giving its characters the neat, comforting ending you might expect. But honestly? I think the ending, whether you consider it happy or not, was exactly what this particular story needed.
Overall, this was a wonderfully dark, atmospheric and gripping read, and definitely one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys their stories with a healthy dose of gothic darkness, revenge, mystery and beautifully unsettling vibes.
From the very beginning, I was pulled into this dark and gripping tale. There’s a wonderfully sinister atmosphere running throughout the story, and I loved the way it embraces the gothic horror elements without shying away from the darker and more disturbing aspects of the narrative. It’s the kind of story that feels deliciously uncomfortable in the best possible way, keeping you turning the pages because you simply have to know how everything is going to unfold.
One thing I will say is that if you’re someone who absolutely requires a happy ending, this may not be the story for you. This is not a tale that necessarily follows the traditional path of giving its characters the neat, comforting ending you might expect. But honestly? I think the ending, whether you consider it happy or not, was exactly what this particular story needed.
Overall, this was a wonderfully dark, atmospheric and gripping read, and definitely one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys their stories with a healthy dose of gothic darkness, revenge, mystery and beautifully unsettling vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐✨
An autumn/Halloween read with a deliciously creepy atmosphere.
I went into Her Bloody Vengeance completely blind, without even reading the blurb, and while that made it a little harder for me to get into the storyline at first, the atmosphere had me hooked almost immediately.
The gothic, eerie atmosphere was definitely my favourite part of this book. Wreymoor Hall in particular gave me those perfect haunted mansion vibes. I could almost hear the creaking doors, feel the cold drafts and see the darkness of the house around me. The whole story felt like stepping into a misty, eerie little town somewhere in the English countryside. I have a very cinematic mind when I read, and this book really came alive like a film in my head.
Scrimgeour's writing style was another highlight for me. It was accessible, flowed easily and she did a great job of bringing the setting and atmosphere to life. This is my first book by her, but I would definitely pick up another one based on the writing alone.
The plot was well put together and the pacing worked well, although I do think the story could have benefited from being a little longer. There was enough here to make the plot work, but I found myself wishing some parts had been explored in more depth.
Overall, this was an atmospheric read that I think would be perfect for the autumn months, especially around Halloween.
Thank you so much to N.C. Scrimgeour for sending me an ARC of Her Bloody Vengeance. It was a pleasure getting lost in its eerie gothic atmosphere! 🖤
An autumn/Halloween read with a deliciously creepy atmosphere.
I went into Her Bloody Vengeance completely blind, without even reading the blurb, and while that made it a little harder for me to get into the storyline at first, the atmosphere had me hooked almost immediately.
The gothic, eerie atmosphere was definitely my favourite part of this book. Wreymoor Hall in particular gave me those perfect haunted mansion vibes. I could almost hear the creaking doors, feel the cold drafts and see the darkness of the house around me. The whole story felt like stepping into a misty, eerie little town somewhere in the English countryside. I have a very cinematic mind when I read, and this book really came alive like a film in my head.
Scrimgeour's writing style was another highlight for me. It was accessible, flowed easily and she did a great job of bringing the setting and atmosphere to life. This is my first book by her, but I would definitely pick up another one based on the writing alone.
The plot was well put together and the pacing worked well, although I do think the story could have benefited from being a little longer. There was enough here to make the plot work, but I found myself wishing some parts had been explored in more depth.
Overall, this was an atmospheric read that I think would be perfect for the autumn months, especially around Halloween.
Thank you so much to N.C. Scrimgeour for sending me an ARC of Her Bloody Vengeance. It was a pleasure getting lost in its eerie gothic atmosphere! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scrimgeour has penned a gothic horror tragedy for fans of A Dowry of Blood and House of Hunger that will break your heart. A true journey into the dark with a hero that can't help but fall from grace.
Chilling.
Seductive.
Haunting.
Sinister.
The FMC, Alderose, lost everything the day her husband was murdered by a vampire on her wedding day. And now, she travels from village to village, slaying the monsters that lurk in the dark. When she receives a letter, written in human blood, to help free a vampire in exchange for revenge on the monster who stole her life, she can't refuse. It takes her down a path of violence that makes her question her morals. Ultimately, she must decide whether she's willing to barter her soul away for the revenge she desires most. The story offers folklore monsters like grims, redcaps, vampires, and more - with a generous dose of magic and mystery at every twist and turn. The descriptions drew me into a victorian-esque world of haunted manors, cemeteries, quiet villages, and predators lurking in the shadows. As tormented heroine Alderose falls deeper into the dark depravity, I couldn't help but follow, and feel the absolute heartache when she learns the terrible truths.
Warning! This is not a romance and there is no happy ending.
Chilling.
Seductive.
Haunting.
Sinister.
The FMC, Alderose, lost everything the day her husband was murdered by a vampire on her wedding day. And now, she travels from village to village, slaying the monsters that lurk in the dark. When she receives a letter, written in human blood, to help free a vampire in exchange for revenge on the monster who stole her life, she can't refuse. It takes her down a path of violence that makes her question her morals. Ultimately, she must decide whether she's willing to barter her soul away for the revenge she desires most. The story offers folklore monsters like grims, redcaps, vampires, and more - with a generous dose of magic and mystery at every twist and turn. The descriptions drew me into a victorian-esque world of haunted manors, cemeteries, quiet villages, and predators lurking in the shadows. As tormented heroine Alderose falls deeper into the dark depravity, I couldn't help but follow, and feel the absolute heartache when she learns the terrible truths.
Warning! This is not a romance and there is no happy ending.
September 23, 2026
First, I want to thank NC Scrimgeour for the advanced copy I received to review this.
Wow. This book had me on the edge of my seat almost the whole time. It took me less than a week to read. And that was only because I had to force myself to close the book and take care of real life responsibilities. It was not easy to put it down, but I also wanted to extend my time in that world, not wanting it to end. The whole time, I was expecting a version of the ending that did not exist. It might’ve been just me, but the ending surprised me. A few things happened that I didn’t really understand how or why. It almost seems like even though they didn’t make sense, it had to be done to achieve the plot. It was only twice at the end. It didn’t take away from the story for me though. And even though overall, I felt so bad for Alderose, I really hope she got her revenge. I understand why we don’t see her final actions, but I was left wishing I had been a fly on the wall where Alderose was instead of with Lottie. Still, a great read! The vibes throughout were gothic and haunting. I loved the references to the folklore of the area. Alderose’s motive throughout the novel was relatable, believable. Ultimately, this was a great book and I am so glad that I got to read it!
Wow. This book had me on the edge of my seat almost the whole time. It took me less than a week to read. And that was only because I had to force myself to close the book and take care of real life responsibilities. It was not easy to put it down, but I also wanted to extend my time in that world, not wanting it to end. The whole time, I was expecting a version of the ending that did not exist. It might’ve been just me, but the ending surprised me. A few things happened that I didn’t really understand how or why. It almost seems like even though they didn’t make sense, it had to be done to achieve the plot. It was only twice at the end. It didn’t take away from the story for me though. And even though overall, I felt so bad for Alderose, I really hope she got her revenge. I understand why we don’t see her final actions, but I was left wishing I had been a fly on the wall where Alderose was instead of with Lottie. Still, a great read! The vibes throughout were gothic and haunting. I loved the references to the folklore of the area. Alderose’s motive throughout the novel was relatable, believable. Ultimately, this was a great book and I am so glad that I got to read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the perfect book for this time of year. It captures all the chilling, gothic horror vibes that make it an ideal read for the darker autumn and winter months.
The story is gripping from start to finish and, once you settle into the writing style, it's impossible not to become immersed in its eerie world. The characters are brilliantly crafted, managing to be mysterious, fascinating, and deeply unsettling all at once. None of them are entirely likeable, yet each is compelling in their own way, making you desperate to uncover their secrets.
What really makes this book stand out is its atmosphere. The haunting manor is described in such vivid detail that it feels like a character in its own right. Every creaking floorboard, dark corridor, and shadow-filled room adds to the growing sense of unease. The author's rich descriptions brought the setting to life so vividly that I felt as though I was wandering through the house alongside the characters.
If you're looking for a gothic horror novel with memorable characters, an unsettling mystery, and a wonderfully creepy setting, I would highly recommend this book. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
The story is gripping from start to finish and, once you settle into the writing style, it's impossible not to become immersed in its eerie world. The characters are brilliantly crafted, managing to be mysterious, fascinating, and deeply unsettling all at once. None of them are entirely likeable, yet each is compelling in their own way, making you desperate to uncover their secrets.
What really makes this book stand out is its atmosphere. The haunting manor is described in such vivid detail that it feels like a character in its own right. Every creaking floorboard, dark corridor, and shadow-filled room adds to the growing sense of unease. The author's rich descriptions brought the setting to life so vividly that I felt as though I was wandering through the house alongside the characters.
If you're looking for a gothic horror novel with memorable characters, an unsettling mystery, and a wonderfully creepy setting, I would highly recommend this book. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you so much to N. C Scrimgeour for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I absolutely loved this book, it took me so by surprise and is actually my favourite indie of the year. It was unbelievably good and was a perfect book for me and my tastes. It is gothic, spooky, beautifully written, addictive and features a MMC who is not morally grey, he is evil incarnate and a TRUE vampire.
We follow Alderose, a monster hunter with a dreadful past. Right off the bat, I liked her. A strong female character. She receives a letter from someone who lives in a very scary house, turns out this is Iestyn, a vampire who has been trapped in is home for a decade. He needs Alderose’s help to be free of the curse placed on him. He promises her vengence, which Alderose cannot refuse. And so begins her quest to find the items strewn out across the gothic landscape of this book.
Another thing I really liked about this story was the use of British folklore and mythic creatures!
Word of warning, this is not a happy ending, but I did enjoy the ending a lot, because I love true vampires!
If you are looking for a bloody horror, with an element of folklore-ish fantasy, then I certainly suggest picking this book up. It is fantastic and I hope so much for its success.
I absolutely loved this book, it took me so by surprise and is actually my favourite indie of the year. It was unbelievably good and was a perfect book for me and my tastes. It is gothic, spooky, beautifully written, addictive and features a MMC who is not morally grey, he is evil incarnate and a TRUE vampire.
We follow Alderose, a monster hunter with a dreadful past. Right off the bat, I liked her. A strong female character. She receives a letter from someone who lives in a very scary house, turns out this is Iestyn, a vampire who has been trapped in is home for a decade. He needs Alderose’s help to be free of the curse placed on him. He promises her vengence, which Alderose cannot refuse. And so begins her quest to find the items strewn out across the gothic landscape of this book.
Another thing I really liked about this story was the use of British folklore and mythic creatures!
Word of warning, this is not a happy ending, but I did enjoy the ending a lot, because I love true vampires!
If you are looking for a bloody horror, with an element of folklore-ish fantasy, then I certainly suggest picking this book up. It is fantastic and I hope so much for its success.
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